Fenugreek is an herb that is mostly associated with cooking, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), but can be used for medicinal purposes as well. When used to increase a nursing mother's milk supply or as an alternative treatment for diabetes, fenugreek seeds may cause some side effects in some people. People who experience adverse reactions should contact a medical care provider for dosage advice. Those who experience facial swelling, breathing difficulties or hives could be having a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which could be fatal if not treated.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Side effects of fenugreek as a medical treatment can include a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms that may range in severity, according to NCCAM. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center reports that gas, bloating and diarrhea as a reaction to fenugreek are more likely when dosages of the herb equal or exceed 100g per day.
Low Blood Sugar
One of the medicinal uses of fenugreek is to stabilize blood glucose levels, but low blood sugar can be a side effect of the herb if this is not the intended purpose. Sloan-Kettering explains that fenugreek can have an adverse effect on blood sugar levels when the seeds are used concurrently with insulin or other diabetes medications. People who have diabetes and take fenugreek should make sure their doctors are aware of their fenugreek usage and dosages, as well as their insulin and antidiabetic drugs, to be sure that blood sugar levels do not dip too low.
Skin Issues
Side effects that accompany topical use of fenugreek can include sensitivity, irritation or sensitization, reports Sloan-Kettering. Bruising and bleeding are also skin-related issues that may occur with either topical or oral use of fenugreek. Skin abnormalities due to fenugreek are more likely with continued or repeated use of the medicinal herb.
Increased Asthma Symptoms
Breastfeeding.com reports that as well as boosting milk supply, fenugreek can be used to treat symptoms of bronchitis, but in some people this may not be a good use of the herb. People who have asthma may find that symptoms increase with use of fenugreek, especially if they inhale a powdered form of the herb.
Member Comments